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On Thursday, July 29, 2021 at approximately 2:19 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 6 near mile post 5.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Saturn Ion, operated by Richard Rose (41) of Portland, was westbound when it crossed into the eastbound lane and collided with a Kenworth semi-truck operated by Robert Kiser (51) of Tillamook.

Rose was transported to Tillamook Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

Kiser was not transported for injuries.

OSP was assisted by Tillamook Ambulance, Tillamook Fire Department, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, Tillamook Police Department, and ODOT. 

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at approximately 8:40 P.M., Keizer Police Department Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call behind a business at the corner of River Rd. and Dearborn Rd.  

Officers contacted two adult males near the vehicle, which was determined to be stolen.   One of the males exchanged gunfire with officers and then fled in the vehicle. The other male stayed at the scene and was cooperative.  

The male that fled went southbound on River Rd.  The vehicle struck a pedestrian which was crossing the street near the intersection of River Rd. and Cummings Lane.  The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Keizer Officers, with the assistance of Salem Police Department Officers, were able to get the vehicle stopped near the intersection of Cherry Ave. and Salem Parkway.  After a short standoff the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody.  

He was transported to Salem Hospital with several gunshot wounds.

Six Keizer Police Officers have been determined to be involved officers and per standard procedure have been placed on administrative leave.

Per Senate Bill 111 protocol the Marion County District Attorney’s Office has requested Oregon State Police to lead the investigation into the officer involved shooting and the pedestrian fatality.

No further information is available for release at this time and names will be released when appropriate.

Refer to original release from Keizer Police Department below.

OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

News Release from Keizer Police Dept.
Posted on FlashAlert: July 28th, 2021 11:28 PM

On July 28, 2021, at approximately 2042 hours, Keizer police officers responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in the area of River Rd N and Dearborn Ave N.  During the contact, there was an officer involved shooting, pursuit and hit and run crash.  The suspect is in custody and there is no danger to the public.  We will be providing further details as we are able.

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at approximately 7:20 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 196. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford Contour, operated by Rhonda Wild (51) of Fresno, CA. was northbound in the southbound lane when it collided with a southbound Nissan Titan, pulling a boat, operated by Jason Smith (46) of Prineville.

Wild and Smith sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.

Two passengers from the Nissan, Heidi Smith (47) of Prineville and a juvenile, were transported to the Florence Hospital with injuries.  

OSP was assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and ODOT.

On Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at approximately 5:20 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 240 near milepost 9.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota pickup, operated by Jeffrey Brown (36) of Yamhill, was eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a Nissan Sentra operated by Irene Gomez (34) of Woodburn.

Brown sustained serious injuries and was transported to OHSU by Life Flight. 

Gomez sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Hwy 240 was closed for approximately 4 hours.

OSP was assisted by Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, TVF&R, and ODOT.

On July 26, 2021, at approximately 6:48 AM, Oregon State Police along with Washington Co. Sheriff’s Office, Banks Fire, and Oregon Department of Transportation responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision on HWY 6 near milepost 33 west of Banks. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a green 2007 Honda CRV operated by Monico BARAJAS-ROJAS (70), of The Dalles, was traveling eastbound on Hwy 6 negotiating a curve when his vehicle crossed into the westbound lane and struck a blue 2018 Dodge pick-up. The right-front passenger of the Honda CRV, Emilia Barajas (61) of The Dalles, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the 2018 Dodge pick-up, Vernon MINCEMOYER (51), of Gaston, was uninjured. 

HWY 6 was closed for approximately five hours. 

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Serious Injury Crash on I-84 – Union County (Photo) – 07/26/21

On July 25, 2021, at approximately 7:38 A.M. OSP responded to a single-vehicle crash on I-84 near milepost 256.  A silver Mazda CX-9 was traveling westbound on Interstate 84 when the driver fell asleep and left the roadway. The vehicle went around a guardrail and then down an embankment for approximately 200 feet until coming to a rest on the driver’s side on the banks of the Grande Ronde River. A witness to the crash was able to remove the two juvenile passengers from the vehicle, which was on fire. The witness told the Trooper that the vehicle was on fire when he arrived, but he was able to put the fire out with water from the river.

Firefighters and medical personnel arrived on the scene and had to extricate the driver and front passenger. The two adults were taken by life flight with serious injuries. The 2 juvenile passengers were taken to Grande Ronde Hospital. The Trooper on scene stated that Union County Deputy Hamilton went above and beyond carrying the injured little girl across the Grande Ronde River to get medical attention.

OSP was assisted by Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Search & Rescue, La Grande Police Department, La Grande Fire Department, Island City Fire.  Union Pacific Railroad personnel also responded to the scene to assist because OSP used the railroad right of way to extract the vehicle from the river.

On Saturday, July 24, 2021 at approximately 8:15 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash Hwy 238 near North Applegate Road.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford Thunderbird, operated by Dona Powers (62) of Central Point, was eastbound when it left the roadway and crashed. 

Powers sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Applegate Fire and ODOT.

On Saturday, July 24, 2021 at approximately 9:10 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 20W near milepost 88.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Richard Cissna (65) of Bend, was westbound when it attempted to avoid traffic that had slowed, lost control and crashed.

Cissna sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Black Butte Police Department, Black Butte Fire Department, and ODOT.

On Monday, July 19, 2021 at approximately 12:30 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 138E near mile post 33.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Subaru Forrester, operated by Manas Sanyal (54) of Wisconsin, was westbound and attempted to turn left into a roadside pull out when it was struck by an also westbound Honda motorcycle operated by Joseph Laurance (71) of Winston.

Laurance sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Sanyal was not injured.

OSP was assisted by Glide Fire Department and ODOT.

On Monday, July 19, 2021 at approximately 12:50 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 30 near milepost 87.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Mazda Protege, operated by Joshua Johns (36) of Westport, OR. was eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a Kia Sorento operated by Joe Houston (63) of Ocean Park, WA.

Johns sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH).  The passenger, Danielle Hammer (40) of Westport, was transported to CMH for injuries.

Houston and passenger, Kathryn Matthai (53)  of Ocean Park,  were both transported to CMH for injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.  

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OSP Trooper discovers methamphetamine and suspected fentanyl pills concealed inside a vehicle-Deschutes County – 07/16/21

On Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at approximately 9:30 P.M., a Trooper from the Bend Area Command stopped a 2006 Saturn for failure to drive within its lane of travel on southbound U.S. Highway 97 near milepost 128.  During the traffic stop, the Trooper noticed signs of criminal activity, and a consent search was conducted.  The search of the vehicle revealed approximately 4.4 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 1.1 pounds of suspected fentanyl pills concealed in the vehicle.

The driver was identified as Yurida Barrera Alonso (38) from McFarland, California and the passenger was identified as Ernesto Adolfo Linares Gomes (33) from Bakersfield, California.  Both individuals were lodged at the Deschutes County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, and Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. 

The Oregon State Police was assisted by Agents from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and members of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

On Monday, July 12, 2021 at approximately 7:31 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle collision on Interstate 84 near milepost 187.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Lincoln MKX, operated by Michael Wilson (65) of Vancouver, WA. was westbound when it drove onto the shoulder and struck the back of a parked semi-truck with trailer.

Wilson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased..

The occupants of the semi-truck were not injured.

Oregon State Police were assisted  by the Stanfield Police Department, Umatilla County Sheriffs Office, ODOT and Umatilla County Fire District #1.

Oregon State Police is releasing the names of the involved parties:

The deceased – Arcadio Castillo III (23) of Salem.

Salem PD Officer Nathan Bush – 4 years with Salem Police Department. As per protocol Officer Bush has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

Refer to below copy of initial release from Salem Police Department.

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OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN NORTHEAST SALEM

News Release from Salem Police Dept.
Posted on FlashAlert: July 10th, 2021 2:45 AM

Salem, Ore. — On July 9, 2021 at approximately 11:20 p.m. the Salem Police Department responded to a domestic violence call involving a suspect reportedly armed with a knife in the 3700 block of June Av NE. During the investigation the responding officer shot the suspect.

The officer was not injured during the incident.

Arriving officers attempted lifesaving measures, but ultimately the suspect died at the scene.

Per standard Senate Bill 111 protocols for the use of deadly physical force, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office has selected the Oregon State Police to lead the investigation.

Any further information will be released by the Oregon State Police or the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

On Sunday, July 11, 2021 at approximately 2:30 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 22 near milepost 70.  

Preliminary investigation revealed a Harley Davidson trike motorcycle, operated by Peggy Mitchell (58) of Eugene, was eastbound when it left the roadway and traveled down an embankment.

Mitchell sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Linn County Search and Rescue, Forest Service, and ODOT

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UPDATE – OSP Requesting Assistance with Fatal Hit and Run Crash – Marion County (Photo) – 07/12/21

The bicyclist is being identified as Eric Wieber (37) of Wilsonville.

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On Sunday, July 11, 2021 at approximately 1:45 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to hit and run crash on Hwy 551 near milepost 2.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a bicyclist was northbound on the shoulder when it was struck from behind by a vehicle. The involved vehicle did not stay at the scene.

The bicyclist was transported to the hospital where they were pronounced deceased. 

Evidence recovered at the scene suggest the involved vehicle is a 2008-2014 Subaru Tribeca, white in color, with damage to the front passenger side of the vehicle to include the headlight and passenger side mirror.  

OSP is requesting anyone with any information regarding the crash or any information regarding the suspect vehicle to contact the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 1-800-442-0776 or *OSP and refer to case #SP21-194026.

OSP was assisted by the Aurora Fire Department, Woodburn Ambulance, and ODOT.

On Friday, July 9, 2021 at approximately 4:55 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 237 near milepost 19B.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Pontiac Grand Am, operated by Trevor Powers (19) of LaGrande, was northbound when it left the roadway and crashed.  

Powers was transported to Grande Ronde Hospital.

Passenger, Conner Seale (20) of Union, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and ODOT

On Friday, July 9, 2021 at approximately 6:32 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Interstate 84 near milepost 217.

Preliminary investigation revealed an International semi-truck and trailer, operated by Durid Jathey (57) of Spokane, WA. was eastbound in the slow lane when it traveled onto the shoulder and collided with a stopped Honda Accord.

The Honda was occupied by Domingo Suarez Aguirre (38) of Burien WA. Fortina Vicente Arroyo (38) of Seattle WA. and two juveniles.

Suarez Aquirre was transported by air ambulance to the hospital

Vicente Arroyo and a juvenile passenger were transported to St. Anthony’s hospital in Pendleton.

The other juvenile passenger sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Jathey sustained minor injuries and was not transported.

Eastbound traffic was closed at exit 216 for approximately 4 hours.  

OSP was assisted by the Umatilla Tribal Police Department, Umatilla Fire Department, and ODOT.

The Office of State Medical Examiner is releasing the following information at the direction of the Governor.  These numbers may change as more reports of death are received from each County Medical Examiner’s Office and further investigation and/or testing is completed for existing cases. 

As of July 9, 2021 –

83 confirmed heatwave deaths (Hyperthermia)

32 deaths are pending further investigation and final cause of death has not been determined yet.

4 deaths included in preliminary counts have been excluded and have been determined to not be caused by the heatwave.

The following is a breakdown of County and zip code for the confirmed heatwave deaths:

The following is a breakdown of ethnicity and gender for the confirmed heatwave deaths:

4 – Hispanic

2 – African American / Black

1 – American Indian

1 – Pacific Islander

1 – Asian

72–White

2 – no ethnicity listed

31 Female

52 Male

Daily press releases will be paused until further confirmed information regarding the total number of heatwave deaths is available. There is no estimate of when the remaining investigations will be completed.

The State Medical Examiner’s Office is collaborating with our County Medical Examiner partners to investigate and certify these deaths. Additionally, various county public health agencies are undertaking efforts to analyze confirmed death data in the interest of identifying trends that may help prevent deaths in future heatwaves.

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Update for July 7, 2021 – the current number of deaths related to the recent heat wave is 116.

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Update for July 6, 2021 – the current number of deaths related to the recent heat wave is 107.

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Update for July 2, 2021 – the current number of deaths related to the recent heat wave is 94.

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Update for July 1, 2021, the Oregon State Medical Examiner is releasing the following demographic information (county of death, gender, and age) suspected with heat related deaths.  The current number of deaths related to the recent heat wave is 79. 

This information may change as investigations are updated and new information is added by the County Medical Examiners:

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As of June 30, 2021 the State Medical Examiner’s Office has received report of 63 deaths that preliminary investigation suggests may be associated with the Pacific Northwest heatwave. 

This number may change in either direction as more information or reports are received from each County Medical Examiner’s Office. 

Again, these are preliminary numbers as some investigations are still in progress and final causes of death have not yet been determined.

The following is the current breakdown by county of heat related deaths.

Multnomah – 45

Marion – 9

Washington – 5

Clackamas – 2

Columbia – 1

Umatilla -1

No further information is available for release at this time.

On Thursday, July 8, 2021 at approximately 7:45 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 114.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Acura CL, operated by Victoria Linder (38) from Roseburg, was southbound when it left the roadway and rolled.

Linder was transported to Mercy Medical Center where Linder was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Myrtle Creek Fire Department and ODOT.

On Sunday, July 4, 2021 at approximately 4:55 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a crash on Hwy 26 at the intersection of Firwood Rd.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Triumph motorcycle was eastbound at a high rate of speed when it collided with a Nissan Rogue, operated by Lois Sirianni (49) of Sandy, that was entering Hwy 26 from Firwood Rd.

The motorcycle operator sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. The name will be released when appropriate.

Sirianni was not injured.

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Fire Department, and ODOT.

On Sunday, July 4, 2021 at approximately 11:20 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 159.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Mazda Protege, operated by Christina Witt (37) of LaPine, was southbound when it lost control, went into the northbound lane and collided with Kia Rondo operated by Dawn Colon (51) of LaPine.

Witt sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Colon was transported by air ambulance to St. Charles in Bend.

OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, LaPine Fire Department, Airlink and ODOT

On Friday, July 2, 2021 at approximately 8:00 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a three vehicle crash on Hwy 126W at the intersection of Husted Rd.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Chevrolet Equinox, operated by Kathleen Bauchereau (59) of Veneta, was northbound on Husted Rd. when it failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection of Hwy 126W and Husted Rd..  The Equinox entered Hwy 126W and struck an eastbound Ford F-150 pulling a utility trailer, operated by Amado Hernandez-Vernegas (49) of Veneta. The impact forced the Ford F-150 into the westbound lane where it collided with a Chevrolet Suburban pulling an RV trailer, operated by Randy Holcomb (52) of Eugene.

Bauchereau was transported to River Bend Hospital with injuries.

Hernandez-Vernegas and the passenger sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.  Passengers name will be released when appropriate.

Holcomb and the juvenile passenger were transported to River Bend with injuries. 

OSP was assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, multiple Fire and EMS agencies, and ODOT

On Thursday, July 1, 2021 at approximately 7:15 P.M., Salem Police Department Officers attempted to contact a vehicle in regards to a shooting investigation. 

 The suspect vehicle fled from officers and rammed a Salem Police Department vehicle.

 During the incident Detective Erick Hernandez fired at the suspect vehicle.

 The suspect vehicle was finally stopped at the intersection of Hwy 22 and Oak Grove. 

 The operator of the vehicle, Erfinson Bossy (22) of Salem, was transported to the hospital with a non-life threatening gun shot.  A passenger in the vehicle fled and has not yet been located.

 Pursuant to Polk County Senate Bill 111 protocols, the Oregon State Police will be leading the investigation and Detective Erick Hernandez has been placed on administrative leave.

On Thursday, July 1, 2021 at approximately 4:11 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 14.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota Camry, operated by Sandra Harrington (68) of Gearhart, was southbound when it crossed into the northbound lane and collided with a Chevrolet Suburban operated by Raymond Yehle (45) of Boise ID.

Harrington sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. 

Yehle had minor injuries and was not transported.

OSP was assisted by the Gearhart Fire Department and ODOT.

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UPDATE – Death Investigation of remains found of female child – Lincoln County (Photo) – 07/01/21

On December 10, 2020, the Oregon State Police recovered the remains of a female child in the forest immediately adjacent to the H.B. Van Duzer Forrest State Scenic Corridor rest area.

Her body was inside a duffle bag that had been concealed in the forest near the rest area.  Based on the condition of the remains, little was known about the deceased’s race, appearance, or other identifying characteristics.  In an attempt to identify the deceased, the Oregon State Police and Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office used a specialty lab to extract DNA information to aid in her identification. 

With the assistance of Parabon Nanolabs, investigators now know more identifying details which will hopefully assist in her identification. The following new information is being released:

·      Age:                     7 – 9

·      Eye color:            Hazel / Brown

·      Hair color:           Brown / Black

·      Skin color:           Light Brown / Fair with no freckles

·      Race:                    She has been identified as mostly Caucasian with some Central American ancestry

·      She was wearing a pull-up diaper

The Oregon State Police has been working in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) since the discovery of the child’s remains. Over the past six months, detectives have definitively ruled out more than 60 potential missing kids from information provided by NCMEC and tips from the public.

While investigators continue to work in partnership with NCMEC, there is a strong likelihood this child has not been reported missing.  Investigators would like the public to know, we are already considering all children listed on the NCMEC website and therefore, there is no need to contact the Oregon State Police to highlight those names.

This child would likely not have been seen since November 2020. If you have any information that might help investigators in identifying this child, please call 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677).

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Oregon State Police investigators have received and investigated more than 180 tips from the public, law enforcement partners and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

Using available dental records, field contacts, and other investigative techniques, investigators have been able to exclude 61 individuals from being the child whose remains were recovered. 

Investigators are still actively working to identify the deceased, and reviewing information regarding missing children which changes and is updated frequently. 

Several different investigative efforts are underway, including DNA analysis.  With the assistance of the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, DNA has been extracted and is awaiting analysis.  This analysis is expected to provide investigators additional information regarding the race, origin, eye color, and other genetic details that may help lead to her identity.  A sketch with the updated race and genetic details will be released upon receipt of the DNA information. 

Anthropological and forensic dental examinations of the female child recovered at in the H.B. Van Duzer State Forrest Scenic Corridor have so far determined she is between 61/2 and 10 years old.  She stood between 3’10’ and 4’6” tall.  She had long black or dark brown hair.  She died at least 30 days prior to her discovery on December 10, 2020. 

Investigators continue to ask anyone with information about the identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding her death to call the Oregon State Police at 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677). 

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As part of the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a female child’s remains at the Van Duzer Rest Area in Lincoln County, the Oregon State Police (OSP) continues to solicit the public’s assistance in identifying the child and the circumstances around her death.  To date, we have received over 150 tips from citizens in the United States and Canada.  We are deeply appreciative of the public’s input so far, and continue to accept information that may lead to the identification of the child.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office has estimated the child’s age to be 6.5 to 10 years old.  She is approximately 3’10” to 4’6” tall, and has long hair that is dark brown or black.  Her race or ethnic origin has yet to be determined, but DNA analysis is not complete.  A sketch completed by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office at our request has also been released. 

OSP, in partnership with the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), and numerous state and local agencies across the United States, are using a variety of means to include or exclude known missing persons who match the general description and/or sketch previously released.  This may include, but is not limited to, dental records, age, descriptors, and confirmed sightings via verifiable sources, and/or recent contacts with family or friends that demonstrate they were alive after the remains of the unidentified female were discovered in Lincoln County. 

OSP will not comment on the individual methods used to exclude each child.

In an effort to refocus the public’s attention and reduce duplicative tips, OSP is now prepared to publicly exclude the following reported missing children from our investigation:

• Dulce Alavez, age 6, from Bridgeton, NJ
• Addyson Gibson, age 12, from Portland, OR
• Noelle Johnson, age 7, from Portland, OR
• Niayah Bylenga (AKA Niayah Crawford), age 7, from Pendleton, OR or Ritzville, WA
• Tarie Price, age 8, from Gretna, NE
• Breasia Terrell, age 10, from Davenport, IA

OSP reminds the public that while these children have been excluded from our investigation, they are all still reported missing and we ask the public to continue to be vigilant for these children and all other missing persons reported across the nation. 

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The Oregon State Police is releasing the attached approximation sketch of the child that was found in Lincoln County on December 10, 2020.

Sketch was provided with assistance of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.

If you have any information that might help investigators in identifying this child, please call 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677).

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Oregon State Police Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the remains of an individual discovered in rural Lincoln County.  

On December 10, 2020, Investigators were summoned to the H.B. Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor for a death investigation. At this location, investigators found the remains of a female child. 

The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office estimate the deceased’s age to be 6.5 to 10 years old.  She is approximately 3’10” to 4’6” tall, and had long hair that is dark brown or black.  Her race or ethnic origin has yet to be determined, but DNA analysis is not complete. 

Due to the condition of the remains she had likely been deceased at least 30 days before she was discovered. 

If you have any information that might help investigators in identifying this child, please call 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677).

No information regarding the cause or manner of death is available for release at this time. 

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On Thursday, December 10, 2020 Oregon State Police Major Crimes Detectives responded to the H.B. Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor for a death investigation.

The area is a heavily wooded state park in Lincoln County, Oregon.

Due to the terrain OSP Detectives were assisted by Lincoln County SAR members.

At this time the deceased has yet to be positively identified. No further information regarding this individual is available for release until identity is established and next of kin can be notified.

An investigation into the circumstances of this incident is active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.

Updated NCMEC 3-D digital composite image created in 2021

Oregon State Police Medical Examiner’s Office Assists Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in identifying the oldest unidentified human remains case in Oregon – 06/30/21

On July 11, 1963, the concealed body of a fully-dressed decomposed male toddler was discovered by a fisherman in the water of Keen County Reservoir along Highway 66, southeast of Ashland, Oregon in Jackson County. The child’s body was dressed in high-quality clothing, consisting of a red long-sleeve shirt, gray corduroy pants, a cloth diaper with blue diaper pins, anklet socks, and white walker “Jumping Jack” brand shoes.  He was also wrapped in a blue-colored blanket and a handmade patchwork quilt with red gingham squares.  Two iron assayer’s molds were wrapped in the quilt in an apparent attempt to weigh the toddler down in the water.  Despite exhaustive investigative efforts, the child was not identified, and authorities interred his body at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Medford, Oregon on July 24, 1963.  The young boy’s identity has remained a mystery since that evening. Until now.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) took over the case in 1963, and through the ensuing 58 years more than 23 JCSO Sheriff’s, detectives, and deputies worked the case with assistance from Oregon State Police (OSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The case went cold and the files were archived for nearly 45 years. In 2007, JCSO Detective Sgt. Colin Fagan and special investigator Jim Tattersal re-opened the Keene Creek toddler case. In August 2008, the tiny body was exhumed from his resting place at Hillcrest Memorial Park cemetery and a DNA sample was collected.

In 2009-2010, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) offered their services to Jackson County investigators and created a composite image to produce possible investigative leads.

See image: NCMEC 3-D digital composite image created in 2009

In addition, the University of North Texas-Center for Human Identification (UNT-CHI) extracted a DNA profile from the remains, and the profile was uploaded into the Combined DNA Indexing System (CODIS) at that time.  Unfortunately, no genetic associations to missing persons or family reference standards in the CODIS database were established.

In 2018, the Oregon State Police Medical Examiner’s Office was awarded an NIJ grant to perform innovative DNA techniques on unsolved unidentified skeletal remains cases.  This cold case was recognized as one that could potentially be resolved by DNA Phenotyping and Investigative Genetic Genealogy provided by OSP’s vendor lab,  Parabon Nanolabs.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Detective Christian Adams, working alongside retired Jackson County Death Investigator Tim Pike and OSP’s State Forensic Anthropologist and Human Identification Program Coordinator Dr. Nici Vance, submitted the biological sample of the unidentified child to Parabon Nanolabs to generate investigative leads through DNA Phenotyping and Genetic Genealogy.

In October 2020 a DNA profile suitable for comparison to genealogy databases was successfully extracted.

The first Parabon Nanolabs report to be completed was a DNA Phenotyping Report, where genetic material was used to determine eye color, hair color, skin color, and the ancestry of the deceased. The report predicted this child was of Northern European descent, with very fair skin, brown eyes, and brown to light blonde hair.  This information was immediately used by NCMEC to revise their previous composite image so that an updated image could be used by law enforcement.       

See image: Updated NCMEC 3-D digital composite image created in 2021

The subsequent investigative genetic genealogy report provided an abundance of compelling information and the strongest investigative lead in the now 58-year-old cold case.

CeCe Moore, Chief Genetic Genealogist with Parabon Nanolabs, searched the open-source DNA database GEDmatch and several relatives to the unidentified boy were found.  Searching their family trees eventually led to the immediate family members of the boy who then provided information regarding his identity.

An interview with a possible relative revealed that as a child, he had a young sibling named “Stevie” with disabilities born in New Mexico, who lived in Oregon in the early 1960s but mysteriously vanished from the family with little explanation.  One challenging factor for detectives following the lead was that New Mexico’s vital records (such as birth and death notices) are not publicly available.  Records of any children named “Stevie” or “Steven” born in late 1960 or early 1961 to the mother, identified through genetic genealogy, were requested.  The New Mexico records department discovered a birth certificate for “Steven Alexander Crawford”, born October 2, 1960, to the listed mother (not named here for privacy purposes) in Las Cruces, New Mexico.  This was proof that a 2-year-old child named Stevie existed.  After 58 years the Keene Creek baby Doe had a possible name: Steven “Stevie” Crawford.

Genetic testing and comparison to known relatives was the last piece in this complicated identification puzzle.  The family member allowed an oral swab to be collected for Kinship Inference testing. Kinship testing provides highly accurate inferences about the familial relationship between two people based on their DNA, even if they are distantly related. If accurate, this individual should share both autosomal DNA and X-chromosome DNA with the deceased child (since males only inherit their X-DNA from their mothers).

The Kinship Inference report was definitive; it stated that the deceased boy and the DNA donor shared 2052.3 centimorgans [1] of autosomal DNA (atDNA) plus 169.7centimorgans of X-Chromosome DNA (X-DNA).  This amount of shared DNA is most consistent with a second-degree relationship (92% probability) which includes half-siblings.  The genetic evidence, with a high degree of statistical accuracy, corroborated the abundant circumstantial evidence provided by Parabon Nanolabs and the genetic genealogy report that the living relative was, in fact, the half-brother of the little boy now named Stevie Crawford.

Based on the totality of the evidence (both genetic and circumstantial), Jackson County Sheriff’s Office notified the next-of-kin and will plan on working to release Stevie Crawford to his family. This case represents a remarkable amount of persistence and inter-agency collaboration throughout 3 generations of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives, Jackson County medico-legal Death Investigators, Oregon State Police, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the FBI, DNA Labs International, and Parabon Nanolabs. The National Institute of Justice grant awarded to Dr. Nici Vance and the OSME’s Office has given us the powerful ability to assist all Oregon agencies, big and small, with the resolution of their cold case mysteries.

Contacts:

Christian Adams, JCSO deputy Medical Examiner detective – contact JCSO PIO, Aaron Lewis [email protected]

Dr. Nici Vance, State Forensic Anthropologist, and OSP Human Identification Program Coordinator, [email protected]

CeCe Moore, Chief Genetic Genealogist, Parabon NanoLabs, [email protected]

Tim Pike, JCSO Detective (retired)

Colin Fagan, JCSO Sgt. Detective (retired)

Jim Tattersal, JCSO Special Investigator (retired)

[1] A centimorgan is a unit used to measure genetic linkage.  One centimorgan translates to approximately one million base pairs of DNA sequence in the human genome.  The higher the number of centimorgans, the closer the relatedness the oral swab donor is to the deceased subject.

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at approximately 8:40 P.M., Keizer Police Department Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call behind a business at the corner of River Rd. and Dearborn Rd.  

Officers contacted two adult males near the vehicle, which was determined to be stolen.   One of the males exchanged gunfire with officers and then fled in the vehicle. The other male stayed at the scene and was cooperative.  

The male that fled went southbound on River Rd.  The vehicle struck a pedestrian which was crossing the street near the intersection of River Rd. and Cummings Lane.  The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Keizer Officers, with the assistance of Salem Police Department Officers, were able to get the vehicle stopped near the intersection of Cherry Ave. and Salem Parkway.  After a short standoff the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody.  

He was transported to Salem Hospital with several gunshot wounds.

Six Keizer Police Officers have been determined to be involved officers and per standard procedure have been placed on administrative leave.

Per Senate Bill 111 protocol the Marion County District Attorney’s Office has requested Oregon State Police to lead the investigation into the officer involved shooting and the pedestrian fatality.

No further information is available for release at this time and names will be released when appropriate.

Refer to original release from Keizer Police Department below.

OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

News Release from Keizer Police Dept.
Posted on FlashAlert: July 28th, 2021 11:28 PM

On July 28, 2021, at approximately 2042 hours, Keizer police officers responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in the area of River Rd N and Dearborn Ave N.  During the contact, there was an officer involved shooting, pursuit and hit and run crash.  The suspect is in custody and there is no danger to the public.  We will be providing further details as we are able.

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at approximately 7:20 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 196. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford Contour, operated by Rhonda Wild (51) of Fresno, CA. was northbound in the southbound lane when it collided with a southbound Nissan Titan, pulling a boat, operated by Jason Smith (46) of Prineville.

Wild and Smith sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.

Two passengers from the Nissan, Heidi Smith (47) of Prineville and a juvenile, were transported to the Florence Hospital with injuries.  

OSP was assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and ODOT.

On Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at approximately 5:20 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 240 near milepost 9.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota pickup, operated by Jeffrey Brown (36) of Yamhill, was eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a Nissan Sentra operated by Irene Gomez (34) of Woodburn.

Brown sustained serious injuries and was transported to OHSU by Life Flight. 

Gomez sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Hwy 240 was closed for approximately 4 hours.

OSP was assisted by Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, TVF&R, and ODOT.

On July 26, 2021, at approximately 6:48 AM, Oregon State Police along with Washington Co. Sheriff’s Office, Banks Fire, and Oregon Department of Transportation responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision on HWY 6 near milepost 33 west of Banks. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a green 2007 Honda CRV operated by Monico BARAJAS-ROJAS (70), of The Dalles, was traveling eastbound on Hwy 6 negotiating a curve when his vehicle crossed into the westbound lane and struck a blue 2018 Dodge pick-up. The right-front passenger of the Honda CRV, Emilia Barajas (61) of The Dalles, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the 2018 Dodge pick-up, Vernon MINCEMOYER (51), of Gaston, was uninjured. 

HWY 6 was closed for approximately five hours. 

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Serious Injury Crash on I-84 – Union County (Photo) – 07/26/21

On July 25, 2021, at approximately 7:38 A.M. OSP responded to a single-vehicle crash on I-84 near milepost 256.  A silver Mazda CX-9 was traveling westbound on Interstate 84 when the driver fell asleep and left the roadway. The vehicle went around a guardrail and then down an embankment for approximately 200 feet until coming to a rest on the driver’s side on the banks of the Grande Ronde River. A witness to the crash was able to remove the two juvenile passengers from the vehicle, which was on fire. The witness told the Trooper that the vehicle was on fire when he arrived, but he was able to put the fire out with water from the river.

Firefighters and medical personnel arrived on the scene and had to extricate the driver and front passenger. The two adults were taken by life flight with serious injuries. The 2 juvenile passengers were taken to Grande Ronde Hospital. The Trooper on scene stated that Union County Deputy Hamilton went above and beyond carrying the injured little girl across the Grande Ronde River to get medical attention.

OSP was assisted by Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Search & Rescue, La Grande Police Department, La Grande Fire Department, Island City Fire.  Union Pacific Railroad personnel also responded to the scene to assist because OSP used the railroad right of way to extract the vehicle from the river.

On Saturday, July 24, 2021 at approximately 8:15 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash Hwy 238 near North Applegate Road.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford Thunderbird, operated by Dona Powers (62) of Central Point, was eastbound when it left the roadway and crashed. 

Powers sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Applegate Fire and ODOT.

On Saturday, July 24, 2021 at approximately 9:10 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 20W near milepost 88.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Richard Cissna (65) of Bend, was westbound when it attempted to avoid traffic that had slowed, lost control and crashed.

Cissna sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Black Butte Police Department, Black Butte Fire Department, and ODOT.

On Monday, July 19, 2021 at approximately 12:30 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 138E near mile post 33.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Subaru Forrester, operated by Manas Sanyal (54) of Wisconsin, was westbound and attempted to turn left into a roadside pull out when it was struck by an also westbound Honda motorcycle operated by Joseph Laurance (71) of Winston.

Laurance sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Sanyal was not injured.

OSP was assisted by Glide Fire Department and ODOT.

On Monday, July 19, 2021 at approximately 12:50 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 30 near milepost 87.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Mazda Protege, operated by Joshua Johns (36) of Westport, OR. was eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a Kia Sorento operated by Joe Houston (63) of Ocean Park, WA.

Johns sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH).  The passenger, Danielle Hammer (40) of Westport, was transported to CMH for injuries.

Houston and passenger, Kathryn Matthai (53)  of Ocean Park,  were both transported to CMH for injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.  

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OSP Trooper discovers methamphetamine and suspected fentanyl pills concealed inside a vehicle-Deschutes County – 07/16/21

On Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at approximately 9:30 P.M., a Trooper from the Bend Area Command stopped a 2006 Saturn for failure to drive within its lane of travel on southbound U.S. Highway 97 near milepost 128.  During the traffic stop, the Trooper noticed signs of criminal activity, and a consent search was conducted.  The search of the vehicle revealed approximately 4.4 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 1.1 pounds of suspected fentanyl pills concealed in the vehicle.

The driver was identified as Yurida Barrera Alonso (38) from McFarland, California and the passenger was identified as Ernesto Adolfo Linares Gomes (33) from Bakersfield, California.  Both individuals were lodged at the Deschutes County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, and Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. 

The Oregon State Police was assisted by Agents from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and members of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

On Monday, July 12, 2021 at approximately 7:31 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle collision on Interstate 84 near milepost 187.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Lincoln MKX, operated by Michael Wilson (65) of Vancouver, WA. was westbound when it drove onto the shoulder and struck the back of a parked semi-truck with trailer.

Wilson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased..

The occupants of the semi-truck were not injured.

Oregon State Police were assisted  by the Stanfield Police Department, Umatilla County Sheriffs Office, ODOT and Umatilla County Fire District #1.

Oregon State Police is releasing the names of the involved parties:

The deceased – Arcadio Castillo III (23) of Salem.

Salem PD Officer Nathan Bush – 4 years with Salem Police Department. As per protocol Officer Bush has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

Refer to below copy of initial release from Salem Police Department.

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OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN NORTHEAST SALEM

News Release from Salem Police Dept.
Posted on FlashAlert: July 10th, 2021 2:45 AM

Salem, Ore. — On July 9, 2021 at approximately 11:20 p.m. the Salem Police Department responded to a domestic violence call involving a suspect reportedly armed with a knife in the 3700 block of June Av NE. During the investigation the responding officer shot the suspect.

The officer was not injured during the incident.

Arriving officers attempted lifesaving measures, but ultimately the suspect died at the scene.

Per standard Senate Bill 111 protocols for the use of deadly physical force, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office has selected the Oregon State Police to lead the investigation.

Any further information will be released by the Oregon State Police or the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

On Sunday, July 11, 2021 at approximately 2:30 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 22 near milepost 70.  

Preliminary investigation revealed a Harley Davidson trike motorcycle, operated by Peggy Mitchell (58) of Eugene, was eastbound when it left the roadway and traveled down an embankment.

Mitchell sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Linn County Search and Rescue, Forest Service, and ODOT

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UPDATE – OSP Requesting Assistance with Fatal Hit and Run Crash – Marion County (Photo) – 07/12/21

The bicyclist is being identified as Eric Wieber (37) of Wilsonville.

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On Sunday, July 11, 2021 at approximately 1:45 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to hit and run crash on Hwy 551 near milepost 2.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a bicyclist was northbound on the shoulder when it was struck from behind by a vehicle. The involved vehicle did not stay at the scene.

The bicyclist was transported to the hospital where they were pronounced deceased. 

Evidence recovered at the scene suggest the involved vehicle is a 2008-2014 Subaru Tribeca, white in color, with damage to the front passenger side of the vehicle to include the headlight and passenger side mirror.  

OSP is requesting anyone with any information regarding the crash or any information regarding the suspect vehicle to contact the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 1-800-442-0776 or *OSP and refer to case #SP21-194026.

OSP was assisted by the Aurora Fire Department, Woodburn Ambulance, and ODOT.

On Friday, July 9, 2021 at approximately 4:55 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 237 near milepost 19B.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Pontiac Grand Am, operated by Trevor Powers (19) of LaGrande, was northbound when it left the roadway and crashed.  

Powers was transported to Grande Ronde Hospital.

Passenger, Conner Seale (20) of Union, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and ODOT

On Friday, July 9, 2021 at approximately 6:32 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Interstate 84 near milepost 217.

Preliminary investigation revealed an International semi-truck and trailer, operated by Durid Jathey (57) of Spokane, WA. was eastbound in the slow lane when it traveled onto the shoulder and collided with a stopped Honda Accord.

The Honda was occupied by Domingo Suarez Aguirre (38) of Burien WA. Fortina Vicente Arroyo (38) of Seattle WA. and two juveniles.

Suarez Aquirre was transported by air ambulance to the hospital

Vicente Arroyo and a juvenile passenger were transported to St. Anthony’s hospital in Pendleton.

The other juvenile passenger sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Jathey sustained minor injuries and was not transported.

Eastbound traffic was closed at exit 216 for approximately 4 hours.  

OSP was assisted by the Umatilla Tribal Police Department, Umatilla Fire Department, and ODOT.

The Office of State Medical Examiner is releasing the following information at the direction of the Governor.  These numbers may change as more reports of death are received from each County Medical Examiner’s Office and further investigation and/or testing is completed for existing cases. 

As of July 9, 2021 –

83 confirmed heatwave deaths (Hyperthermia)

32 deaths are pending further investigation and final cause of death has not been determined yet.

4 deaths included in preliminary counts have been excluded and have been determined to not be caused by the heatwave.

The following is a breakdown of County and zip code for the confirmed heatwave deaths:

The following is a breakdown of ethnicity and gender for the confirmed heatwave deaths:

4 – Hispanic

2 – African American / Black

1 – American Indian

1 – Pacific Islander

1 – Asian

72–White

2 – no ethnicity listed

31 Female

52 Male

Daily press releases will be paused until further confirmed information regarding the total number of heatwave deaths is available. There is no estimate of when the remaining investigations will be completed.

The State Medical Examiner’s Office is collaborating with our County Medical Examiner partners to investigate and certify these deaths. Additionally, various county public health agencies are undertaking efforts to analyze confirmed death data in the interest of identifying trends that may help prevent deaths in future heatwaves.

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Update for July 7, 2021 – the current number of deaths related to the recent heat wave is 116.

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Update for July 6, 2021 – the current number of deaths related to the recent heat wave is 107.

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Update for July 2, 2021 – the current number of deaths related to the recent heat wave is 94.

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Update for July 1, 2021, the Oregon State Medical Examiner is releasing the following demographic information (county of death, gender, and age) suspected with heat related deaths.  The current number of deaths related to the recent heat wave is 79. 

This information may change as investigations are updated and new information is added by the County Medical Examiners:

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As of June 30, 2021 the State Medical Examiner’s Office has received report of 63 deaths that preliminary investigation suggests may be associated with the Pacific Northwest heatwave. 

This number may change in either direction as more information or reports are received from each County Medical Examiner’s Office. 

Again, these are preliminary numbers as some investigations are still in progress and final causes of death have not yet been determined.

The following is the current breakdown by county of heat related deaths.

Multnomah – 45

Marion – 9

Washington – 5

Clackamas – 2

Columbia – 1

Umatilla -1

No further information is available for release at this time.

On Thursday, July 8, 2021 at approximately 7:45 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 114.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Acura CL, operated by Victoria Linder (38) from Roseburg, was southbound when it left the roadway and rolled.

Linder was transported to Mercy Medical Center where Linder was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Myrtle Creek Fire Department and ODOT.

On Sunday, July 4, 2021 at approximately 4:55 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a crash on Hwy 26 at the intersection of Firwood Rd.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Triumph motorcycle was eastbound at a high rate of speed when it collided with a Nissan Rogue, operated by Lois Sirianni (49) of Sandy, that was entering Hwy 26 from Firwood Rd.

The motorcycle operator sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. The name will be released when appropriate.

Sirianni was not injured.

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Fire Department, and ODOT.

On Sunday, July 4, 2021 at approximately 11:20 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 159.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Mazda Protege, operated by Christina Witt (37) of LaPine, was southbound when it lost control, went into the northbound lane and collided with Kia Rondo operated by Dawn Colon (51) of LaPine.

Witt sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Colon was transported by air ambulance to St. Charles in Bend.

OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, LaPine Fire Department, Airlink and ODOT

On Friday, July 2, 2021 at approximately 8:00 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a three vehicle crash on Hwy 126W at the intersection of Husted Rd.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Chevrolet Equinox, operated by Kathleen Bauchereau (59) of Veneta, was northbound on Husted Rd. when it failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection of Hwy 126W and Husted Rd..  The Equinox entered Hwy 126W and struck an eastbound Ford F-150 pulling a utility trailer, operated by Amado Hernandez-Vernegas (49) of Veneta. The impact forced the Ford F-150 into the westbound lane where it collided with a Chevrolet Suburban pulling an RV trailer, operated by Randy Holcomb (52) of Eugene.

Bauchereau was transported to River Bend Hospital with injuries.

Hernandez-Vernegas and the passenger sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.  Passengers name will be released when appropriate.

Holcomb and the juvenile passenger were transported to River Bend with injuries. 

OSP was assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, multiple Fire and EMS agencies, and ODOT

On Thursday, July 1, 2021 at approximately 7:15 P.M., Salem Police Department Officers attempted to contact a vehicle in regards to a shooting investigation. 

 The suspect vehicle fled from officers and rammed a Salem Police Department vehicle.

 During the incident Detective Erick Hernandez fired at the suspect vehicle.

 The suspect vehicle was finally stopped at the intersection of Hwy 22 and Oak Grove. 

 The operator of the vehicle, Erfinson Bossy (22) of Salem, was transported to the hospital with a non-life threatening gun shot.  A passenger in the vehicle fled and has not yet been located.

 Pursuant to Polk County Senate Bill 111 protocols, the Oregon State Police will be leading the investigation and Detective Erick Hernandez has been placed on administrative leave.

On Thursday, July 1, 2021 at approximately 4:11 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 14.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota Camry, operated by Sandra Harrington (68) of Gearhart, was southbound when it crossed into the northbound lane and collided with a Chevrolet Suburban operated by Raymond Yehle (45) of Boise ID.

Harrington sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. 

Yehle had minor injuries and was not transported.

OSP was assisted by the Gearhart Fire Department and ODOT.

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UPDATE – Death Investigation of remains found of female child – Lincoln County (Photo) – 07/01/21

On December 10, 2020, the Oregon State Police recovered the remains of a female child in the forest immediately adjacent to the H.B. Van Duzer Forrest State Scenic Corridor rest area.

Her body was inside a duffle bag that had been concealed in the forest near the rest area.  Based on the condition of the remains, little was known about the deceased’s race, appearance, or other identifying characteristics.  In an attempt to identify the deceased, the Oregon State Police and Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office used a specialty lab to extract DNA information to aid in her identification. 

With the assistance of Parabon Nanolabs, investigators now know more identifying details which will hopefully assist in her identification. The following new information is being released:

·      Age:                     7 – 9

·      Eye color:            Hazel / Brown

·      Hair color:           Brown / Black

·      Skin color:           Light Brown / Fair with no freckles

·      Race:                    She has been identified as mostly Caucasian with some Central American ancestry

·      She was wearing a pull-up diaper

The Oregon State Police has been working in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) since the discovery of the child’s remains. Over the past six months, detectives have definitively ruled out more than 60 potential missing kids from information provided by NCMEC and tips from the public.

While investigators continue to work in partnership with NCMEC, there is a strong likelihood this child has not been reported missing.  Investigators would like the public to know, we are already considering all children listed on the NCMEC website and therefore, there is no need to contact the Oregon State Police to highlight those names.

This child would likely not have been seen since November 2020. If you have any information that might help investigators in identifying this child, please call 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677).

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Oregon State Police investigators have received and investigated more than 180 tips from the public, law enforcement partners and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

Using available dental records, field contacts, and other investigative techniques, investigators have been able to exclude 61 individuals from being the child whose remains were recovered. 

Investigators are still actively working to identify the deceased, and reviewing information regarding missing children which changes and is updated frequently. 

Several different investigative efforts are underway, including DNA analysis.  With the assistance of the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, DNA has been extracted and is awaiting analysis.  This analysis is expected to provide investigators additional information regarding the race, origin, eye color, and other genetic details that may help lead to her identity.  A sketch with the updated race and genetic details will be released upon receipt of the DNA information. 

Anthropological and forensic dental examinations of the female child recovered at in the H.B. Van Duzer State Forrest Scenic Corridor have so far determined she is between 61/2 and 10 years old.  She stood between 3’10’ and 4’6” tall.  She had long black or dark brown hair.  She died at least 30 days prior to her discovery on December 10, 2020. 

Investigators continue to ask anyone with information about the identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding her death to call the Oregon State Police at 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677). 

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As part of the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a female child’s remains at the Van Duzer Rest Area in Lincoln County, the Oregon State Police (OSP) continues to solicit the public’s assistance in identifying the child and the circumstances around her death.  To date, we have received over 150 tips from citizens in the United States and Canada.  We are deeply appreciative of the public’s input so far, and continue to accept information that may lead to the identification of the child.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office has estimated the child’s age to be 6.5 to 10 years old.  She is approximately 3’10” to 4’6” tall, and has long hair that is dark brown or black.  Her race or ethnic origin has yet to be determined, but DNA analysis is not complete.  A sketch completed by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office at our request has also been released. 

OSP, in partnership with the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), and numerous state and local agencies across the United States, are using a variety of means to include or exclude known missing persons who match the general description and/or sketch previously released.  This may include, but is not limited to, dental records, age, descriptors, and confirmed sightings via verifiable sources, and/or recent contacts with family or friends that demonstrate they were alive after the remains of the unidentified female were discovered in Lincoln County. 

OSP will not comment on the individual methods used to exclude each child.

In an effort to refocus the public’s attention and reduce duplicative tips, OSP is now prepared to publicly exclude the following reported missing children from our investigation:

• Dulce Alavez, age 6, from Bridgeton, NJ
• Addyson Gibson, age 12, from Portland, OR
• Noelle Johnson, age 7, from Portland, OR
• Niayah Bylenga (AKA Niayah Crawford), age 7, from Pendleton, OR or Ritzville, WA
• Tarie Price, age 8, from Gretna, NE
• Breasia Terrell, age 10, from Davenport, IA

OSP reminds the public that while these children have been excluded from our investigation, they are all still reported missing and we ask the public to continue to be vigilant for these children and all other missing persons reported across the nation. 

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The Oregon State Police is releasing the attached approximation sketch of the child that was found in Lincoln County on December 10, 2020.

Sketch was provided with assistance of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.

If you have any information that might help investigators in identifying this child, please call 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677).

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Oregon State Police Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the remains of an individual discovered in rural Lincoln County.  

On December 10, 2020, Investigators were summoned to the H.B. Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor for a death investigation. At this location, investigators found the remains of a female child. 

The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office estimate the deceased’s age to be 6.5 to 10 years old.  She is approximately 3’10” to 4’6” tall, and had long hair that is dark brown or black.  Her race or ethnic origin has yet to be determined, but DNA analysis is not complete. 

Due to the condition of the remains she had likely been deceased at least 30 days before she was discovered. 

If you have any information that might help investigators in identifying this child, please call 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677).

No information regarding the cause or manner of death is available for release at this time. 

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On Thursday, December 10, 2020 Oregon State Police Major Crimes Detectives responded to the H.B. Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor for a death investigation.

The area is a heavily wooded state park in Lincoln County, Oregon.

Due to the terrain OSP Detectives were assisted by Lincoln County SAR members.

At this time the deceased has yet to be positively identified. No further information regarding this individual is available for release until identity is established and next of kin can be notified.

An investigation into the circumstances of this incident is active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.

Updated NCMEC 3-D digital composite image created in 2021

Oregon State Police Medical Examiner’s Office Assists Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in identifying the oldest unidentified human remains case in Oregon – 06/30/21

On July 11, 1963, the concealed body of a fully-dressed decomposed male toddler was discovered by a fisherman in the water of Keen County Reservoir along Highway 66, southeast of Ashland, Oregon in Jackson County. The child’s body was dressed in high-quality clothing, consisting of a red long-sleeve shirt, gray corduroy pants, a cloth diaper with blue diaper pins, anklet socks, and white walker “Jumping Jack” brand shoes.  He was also wrapped in a blue-colored blanket and a handmade patchwork quilt with red gingham squares.  Two iron assayer’s molds were wrapped in the quilt in an apparent attempt to weigh the toddler down in the water.  Despite exhaustive investigative efforts, the child was not identified, and authorities interred his body at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Medford, Oregon on July 24, 1963.  The young boy’s identity has remained a mystery since that evening. Until now.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) took over the case in 1963, and through the ensuing 58 years more than 23 JCSO Sheriff’s, detectives, and deputies worked the case with assistance from Oregon State Police (OSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The case went cold and the files were archived for nearly 45 years. In 2007, JCSO Detective Sgt. Colin Fagan and special investigator Jim Tattersal re-opened the Keene Creek toddler case. In August 2008, the tiny body was exhumed from his resting place at Hillcrest Memorial Park cemetery and a DNA sample was collected.

In 2009-2010, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) offered their services to Jackson County investigators and created a composite image to produce possible investigative leads.

See image: NCMEC 3-D digital composite image created in 2009

In addition, the University of North Texas-Center for Human Identification (UNT-CHI) extracted a DNA profile from the remains, and the profile was uploaded into the Combined DNA Indexing System (CODIS) at that time.  Unfortunately, no genetic associations to missing persons or family reference standards in the CODIS database were established.

In 2018, the Oregon State Police Medical Examiner’s Office was awarded an NIJ grant to perform innovative DNA techniques on unsolved unidentified skeletal remains cases.  This cold case was recognized as one that could potentially be resolved by DNA Phenotyping and Investigative Genetic Genealogy provided by OSP’s vendor lab,  Parabon Nanolabs.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Detective Christian Adams, working alongside retired Jackson County Death Investigator Tim Pike and OSP’s State Forensic Anthropologist and Human Identification Program Coordinator Dr. Nici Vance, submitted the biological sample of the unidentified child to Parabon Nanolabs to generate investigative leads through DNA Phenotyping and Genetic Genealogy.

In October 2020 a DNA profile suitable for comparison to genealogy databases was successfully extracted.

The first Parabon Nanolabs report to be completed was a DNA Phenotyping Report, where genetic material was used to determine eye color, hair color, skin color, and the ancestry of the deceased. The report predicted this child was of Northern European descent, with very fair skin, brown eyes, and brown to light blonde hair.  This information was immediately used by NCMEC to revise their previous composite image so that an updated image could be used by law enforcement.       

See image: Updated NCMEC 3-D digital composite image created in 2021

The subsequent investigative genetic genealogy report provided an abundance of compelling information and the strongest investigative lead in the now 58-year-old cold case.

CeCe Moore, Chief Genetic Genealogist with Parabon Nanolabs, searched the open-source DNA database GEDmatch and several relatives to the unidentified boy were found.  Searching their family trees eventually led to the immediate family members of the boy who then provided information regarding his identity.

An interview with a possible relative revealed that as a child, he had a young sibling named “Stevie” with disabilities born in New Mexico, who lived in Oregon in the early 1960s but mysteriously vanished from the family with little explanation.  One challenging factor for detectives following the lead was that New Mexico’s vital records (such as birth and death notices) are not publicly available.  Records of any children named “Stevie” or “Steven” born in late 1960 or early 1961 to the mother, identified through genetic genealogy, were requested.  The New Mexico records department discovered a birth certificate for “Steven Alexander Crawford”, born October 2, 1960, to the listed mother (not named here for privacy purposes) in Las Cruces, New Mexico.  This was proof that a 2-year-old child named Stevie existed.  After 58 years the Keene Creek baby Doe had a possible name: Steven “Stevie” Crawford.

Genetic testing and comparison to known relatives was the last piece in this complicated identification puzzle.  The family member allowed an oral swab to be collected for Kinship Inference testing. Kinship testing provides highly accurate inferences about the familial relationship between two people based on their DNA, even if they are distantly related. If accurate, this individual should share both autosomal DNA and X-chromosome DNA with the deceased child (since males only inherit their X-DNA from their mothers).

The Kinship Inference report was definitive; it stated that the deceased boy and the DNA donor shared 2052.3 centimorgans [1] of autosomal DNA (atDNA) plus 169.7centimorgans of X-Chromosome DNA (X-DNA).  This amount of shared DNA is most consistent with a second-degree relationship (92% probability) which includes half-siblings.  The genetic evidence, with a high degree of statistical accuracy, corroborated the abundant circumstantial evidence provided by Parabon Nanolabs and the genetic genealogy report that the living relative was, in fact, the half-brother of the little boy now named Stevie Crawford.

Based on the totality of the evidence (both genetic and circumstantial), Jackson County Sheriff’s Office notified the next-of-kin and will plan on working to release Stevie Crawford to his family. This case represents a remarkable amount of persistence and inter-agency collaboration throughout 3 generations of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives, Jackson County medico-legal Death Investigators, Oregon State Police, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the FBI, DNA Labs International, and Parabon Nanolabs. The National Institute of Justice grant awarded to Dr. Nici Vance and the OSME’s Office has given us the powerful ability to assist all Oregon agencies, big and small, with the resolution of their cold case mysteries.

Contacts:

Christian Adams, JCSO deputy Medical Examiner detective – contact JCSO PIO, Aaron Lewis [email protected]

Dr. Nici Vance, State Forensic Anthropologist, and OSP Human Identification Program Coordinator, [email protected]

CeCe Moore, Chief Genetic Genealogist, Parabon NanoLabs, [email protected]

Tim Pike, JCSO Detective (retired)

Colin Fagan, JCSO Sgt. Detective (retired)

Jim Tattersal, JCSO Special Investigator (retired)

[1] A centimorgan is a unit used to measure genetic linkage.  One centimorgan translates to approximately one million base pairs of DNA sequence in the human genome.  The higher the number of centimorgans, the closer the relatedness the oral swab donor is to the deceased subject.

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at approximately 7:20 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 196. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford Contour, operated by Rhonda Wild (51) of Fresno, CA. was northbound in the southbound lane when it collided with a southbound Nissan Titan, pulling a boat, operated by Jason Smith (46) of Prineville.

Wild and Smith sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.

Two passengers from the Nissan, Heidi Smith (47) of Prineville and a juvenile, were transported to the Florence Hospital with injuries.  

OSP was assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and ODOT.

On Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at approximately 5:20 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 240 near milepost 9.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota pickup, operated by Jeffrey Brown (36) of Yamhill, was eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a Nissan Sentra operated by Irene Gomez (34) of Woodburn.

Brown sustained serious injuries and was transported to OHSU by Life Flight. 

Gomez sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Hwy 240 was closed for approximately 4 hours.

OSP was assisted by Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, TVF&R, and ODOT.

On July 26, 2021, at approximately 6:48 AM, Oregon State Police along with Washington Co. Sheriff’s Office, Banks Fire, and Oregon Department of Transportation responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision on HWY 6 near milepost 33 west of Banks. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a green 2007 Honda CRV operated by Monico BARAJAS-ROJAS (70), of The Dalles, was traveling eastbound on Hwy 6 negotiating a curve when his vehicle crossed into the westbound lane and struck a blue 2018 Dodge pick-up. The right-front passenger of the Honda CRV, Emilia Barajas (61) of The Dalles, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the 2018 Dodge pick-up, Vernon MINCEMOYER (51), of Gaston, was uninjured. 

HWY 6 was closed for approximately five hours. 

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Serious Injury Crash on I-84 – Union County (Photo) – 07/26/21

On July 25, 2021, at approximately 7:38 A.M. OSP responded to a single-vehicle crash on I-84 near milepost 256.  A silver Mazda CX-9 was traveling westbound on Interstate 84 when the driver fell asleep and left the roadway. The vehicle went around a guardrail and then down an embankment for approximately 200 feet until coming to a rest on the driver’s side on the banks of the Grande Ronde River. A witness to the crash was able to remove the two juvenile passengers from the vehicle, which was on fire. The witness told the Trooper that the vehicle was on fire when he arrived, but he was able to put the fire out with water from the river.

Firefighters and medical personnel arrived on the scene and had to extricate the driver and front passenger. The two adults were taken by life flight with serious injuries. The 2 juvenile passengers were taken to Grande Ronde Hospital. The Trooper on scene stated that Union County Deputy Hamilton went above and beyond carrying the injured little girl across the Grande Ronde River to get medical attention.

OSP was assisted by Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Search & Rescue, La Grande Police Department, La Grande Fire Department, Island City Fire.  Union Pacific Railroad personnel also responded to the scene to assist because OSP used the railroad right of way to extract the vehicle from the river.

On Saturday, July 24, 2021 at approximately 8:15 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash Hwy 238 near North Applegate Road.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford Thunderbird, operated by Dona Powers (62) of Central Point, was eastbound when it left the roadway and crashed. 

Powers sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Applegate Fire and ODOT.

On Saturday, July 24, 2021 at approximately 9:10 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 20W near milepost 88.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Richard Cissna (65) of Bend, was westbound when it attempted to avoid traffic that had slowed, lost control and crashed.

Cissna sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Black Butte Police Department, Black Butte Fire Department, and ODOT.

On Monday, July 19, 2021 at approximately 12:30 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 138E near mile post 33.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Subaru Forrester, operated by Manas Sanyal (54) of Wisconsin, was westbound and attempted to turn left into a roadside pull out when it was struck by an also westbound Honda motorcycle operated by Joseph Laurance (71) of Winston.

Laurance sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Sanyal was not injured.

OSP was assisted by Glide Fire Department and ODOT.

On Monday, July 19, 2021 at approximately 12:50 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 30 near milepost 87.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Mazda Protege, operated by Joshua Johns (36) of Westport, OR. was eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a Kia Sorento operated by Joe Houston (63) of Ocean Park, WA.

Johns sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH).  The passenger, Danielle Hammer (40) of Westport, was transported to CMH for injuries.

Houston and passenger, Kathryn Matthai (53)  of Ocean Park,  were both transported to CMH for injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.  

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OSP Trooper discovers methamphetamine and suspected fentanyl pills concealed inside a vehicle-Deschutes County – 07/16/21

On Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at approximately 9:30 P.M., a Trooper from the Bend Area Command stopped a 2006 Saturn for failure to drive within its lane of travel on southbound U.S. Highway 97 near milepost 128.  During the traffic stop, the Trooper noticed signs of criminal activity, and a consent search was conducted.  The search of the vehicle revealed approximately 4.4 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 1.1 pounds of suspected fentanyl pills concealed in the vehicle.

The driver was identified as Yurida Barrera Alonso (38) from McFarland, California and the passenger was identified as Ernesto Adolfo Linares Gomes (33) from Bakersfield, California.  Both individuals were lodged at the Deschutes County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, and Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. 

The Oregon State Police was assisted by Agents from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and members of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

On Monday, July 12, 2021 at approximately 7:31 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle collision on Interstate 84 near milepost 187.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Lincoln MKX, operated by Michael Wilson (65) of Vancouver, WA. was westbound when it drove onto the shoulder and struck the back of a parked semi-truck with trailer.

Wilson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased..

The occupants of the semi-truck were not injured.

Oregon State Police were assisted  by the Stanfield Police Department, Umatilla County Sheriffs Office, ODOT and Umatilla County Fire District #1.

Oregon State Police is releasing the names of the involved parties:

The deceased – Arcadio Castillo III (23) of Salem.

Salem PD Officer Nathan Bush – 4 years with Salem Police Department. As per protocol Officer Bush has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

Refer to below copy of initial release from Salem Police Department.

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OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN NORTHEAST SALEM

News Release from Salem Police Dept.
Posted on FlashAlert: July 10th, 2021 2:45 AM

Salem, Ore. — On July 9, 2021 at approximately 11:20 p.m. the Salem Police Department responded to a domestic violence call involving a suspect reportedly armed with a knife in the 3700 block of June Av NE. During the investigation the responding officer shot the suspect.

The officer was not injured during the incident.

Arriving officers attempted lifesaving measures, but ultimately the suspect died at the scene.

Per standard Senate Bill 111 protocols for the use of deadly physical force, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office has selected the Oregon State Police to lead the investigation.

Any further information will be released by the Oregon State Police or the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

On Sunday, July 11, 2021 at approximately 2:30 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 22 near milepost 70.  

Preliminary investigation revealed a Harley Davidson trike motorcycle, operated by Peggy Mitchell (58) of Eugene, was eastbound when it left the roadway and traveled down an embankment.

Mitchell sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Linn County Search and Rescue, Forest Service, and ODOT

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UPDATE – OSP Requesting Assistance with Fatal Hit and Run Crash – Marion County (Photo) – 07/12/21

The bicyclist is being identified as Eric Wieber (37) of Wilsonville.

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On Sunday, July 11, 2021 at approximately 1:45 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to hit and run crash on Hwy 551 near milepost 2.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a bicyclist was northbound on the shoulder when it was struck from behind by a vehicle. The involved vehicle did not stay at the scene.

The bicyclist was transported to the hospital where they were pronounced deceased. 

Evidence recovered at the scene suggest the involved vehicle is a 2008-2014 Subaru Tribeca, white in color, with damage to the front passenger side of the vehicle to include the headlight and passenger side mirror.  

OSP is requesting anyone with any information regarding the crash or any information regarding the suspect vehicle to contact the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 1-800-442-0776 or *OSP and refer to case #SP21-194026.

OSP was assisted by the Aurora Fire Department, Woodburn Ambulance, and ODOT.

On Friday, July 9, 2021 at approximately 4:55 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 237 near milepost 19B.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Pontiac Grand Am, operated by Trevor Powers (19) of LaGrande, was northbound when it left the roadway and crashed.  

Powers was transported to Grande Ronde Hospital.

Passenger, Conner Seale (20) of Union, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and ODOT

On Friday, July 9, 2021 at approximately 6:32 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Interstate 84 near milepost 217.

Preliminary investigation revealed an International semi-truck and trailer, operated by Durid Jathey (57) of Spokane, WA. was eastbound in the slow lane when it traveled onto the shoulder and collided with a stopped Honda Accord.

The Honda was occupied by Domingo Suarez Aguirre (38) of Burien WA. Fortina Vicente Arroyo (38) of Seattle WA. and two juveniles.

Suarez Aquirre was transported by air ambulance to the hospital

Vicente Arroyo and a juvenile passenger were transported to St. Anthony’s hospital in Pendleton.

The other juvenile passenger sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Jathey sustained minor injuries and was not transported.

Eastbound traffic was closed at exit 216 for approximately 4 hours.  

OSP was assisted by the Umatilla Tribal Police Department, Umatilla Fire Department, and ODOT.

The Office of State Medical Examiner is releasing the following information at the direction of the Governor.  These numbers may change as more reports of death are received from each County Medical Examiner’s Office and further investigation and/or testing is completed for existing cases. 

As of July 9, 2021 –

83 confirmed heatwave deaths (Hyperthermia)

32 deaths are pending further investigation and final cause of death has not been determined yet.

4 deaths included in preliminary counts have been excluded and have been determined to not be caused by the heatwave.

The following is a breakdown of County and zip code for the confirmed heatwave deaths:

The following is a breakdown of ethnicity and gender for the confirmed heatwave deaths:

4 – Hispanic

2 – African American / Black

1 – American Indian

1 – Pacific Islander

1 – Asian

72–White

2 – no ethnicity listed

31 Female

52 Male

Daily press releases will be paused until further confirmed information regarding the total number of heatwave deaths is available. There is no estimate of when the remaining investigations will be completed.

The State Medical Examiner’s Office is collaborating with our County Medical Examiner partners to investigate and certify these deaths. Additionally, various county public health agencies are undertaking efforts to analyze confirmed death data in the interest of identifying trends that may help prevent deaths in future heatwaves.

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Update for July 7, 2021 – the current number of deaths related to the recent heat wave is 116.

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Update for July 6, 2021 – the current number of deaths related to the recent heat wave is 107.

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Update for July 2, 2021 – the current number of deaths related to the recent heat wave is 94.

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Update for July 1, 2021, the Oregon State Medical Examiner is releasing the following demographic information (county of death, gender, and age) suspected with heat related deaths.  The current number of deaths related to the recent heat wave is 79. 

This information may change as investigations are updated and new information is added by the County Medical Examiners: